Northern Cape

Northern Cape – Kgalagadi

The 3.7 million hectare Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the northern cape is one of the world’s largest conservation areas, and is sanctuary to herds of gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, eland, red hartebeest, as well as the black-mane Kalahari lions, leopard and cheetah. There is 60 species of mammals, as well as reptiles and amphibians. It has 307 bird species, and 52 of the registered 80 raptors have been registered in the park.

Start Date : In April

End Date: In April

Duration: 8 days

Please Note: The dates can be changed to fit your time schedule. The cost could change due to entrance fee for international visitors. We can arrange for you to fly in & out from Upington. Minimum 4 people on this trip.

Day 1: Distance for day: 500 km

We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel through Ventersdorp and Vryburg, where we have lunch. On arrival in Kuruman we visit the Eye of Kuruman and depart for Kathu not far from Kuruman. Check in and overnight stay at the Namakwari Lodge in Kathu.

Day 2: Distance for the day: 450 km

After breakfast, we continue the journey toward the Kgalagadi Park. The route is via Olifantshoek towards Upington where we will have lunch. We then drive in a northerly direction towards the town of Askham. It is a slow drive, and around every corner you will see more dune landscapes. We arrive at the Twee Rivieren Rest camp, and check into the well- appointed chalets for two nights stay at Twee Rivieren. We relax for the remainder of the afternoon before dinner is enjoyed at the Camp Restaurant.

Day 3:Distance for the day: 150 km

After a healthy breakfast, we depart into the park. Driving in the dry river beds we start our search for the animals of the Kgalagadi, visiting various water holes and picnic spots during the day before we return to the camp in the afternoon. Relax before you depart on a sunset game drive in an open vehicle accompanied by SANP registered field guides. Enjoy dinner prepared by your host on your return.

Day 4 & 5: Distance for the day: 150km

After breakfast made by your host, we depart for Mata Mata Camp driving in the direction of Unions End. We will spend the next 2 nights at Mata Mata camp where we will do various game drives, visit water holes and sit in the Hide at Mata Mata camp. Meals will be prepared by your host.

Day 6: Distance for the day: 400 km

After another early morning wilderness drive followed by breakfast, it will be time to leave Mata Mata and make our way to Twee Rivieren gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch on route at a picnic site or at Twee Rivieren. After lunch, we depart for Upington where we will spend the night at Libby’s Lodge. Dinner will be enjoyed in town.

*** optional fly back from Upington for own account.

Day 7: Distance for the day: 403 km

Depart after breakfast travelling via Kathu where we will stop for a nice lunch and then on to Vryburg where we will overnight at the Lavender Guesthouse.

Day 8: Distance for the day: 380km

This is your last day with the Kgalagadi tour and after breakfast, we depart for Johannesburg. Arriving late afternoon.

Included

Accommodation

3 meals per day

Vehicle and Tourist guide fee

Entrance fees

One open vehicle game drive

Excluded

Drinks

Gratuities

Laundry

Telephone calls

Curios

Personal items

Any extra activities not on the Itinerary.

.

Namaqualand

Start Date : End August

End Date: August to September

Duration: 11 days

Cost: On request

Please Note: The dates can be changed to fit your time schedule. The cost could change due to entrance fee for international visitors. We can arrange for you to fly in & out from Kathu. Minimum 4 people on this trip.

During August and September, the region of Namaqualand and the West Coast transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour which is brought on by the wildflowers of the area after the winter rains. The trips are real speciality trips, designed to visit many of these wonderful sights. Because we travel in a smaller vehicle we can visit many places in the region that bigger buses cannot go to.

This trip includes the coastal flower region closer to Cape Town. So the trip ends in Cape Town, which makes the distance to travel less. Guests can stay on in Cape Town after the trip or fly back immediately. The return flight and transfer is included in the price.

Day 1: Distance for day: 550 km

We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel via Ventersdorp, Coligny, Sannieshof towards Vryburg, where we have lunch. Then we continue towards Kuruman, where we visit the Eye of Kuruman. The overnight stay is at the Namakwari Guesthouse in Kathu.

Day 2: Distance for the day: 450 km

After breakfast, we depart towards Kakamas. On route we have rest stops at Olifantshoek and Upington. After lunch in Upington, we travel via Keimoes, exploring the Green Kalahari before arriving in Kakamas. This afternoon we will visit the spectacular Augrabies Waterfall on the outskirts of the town. The overnight stay and dinner is at the lovely Vergelegen Guesthouse.

Day 3: Distance for the day: 360 km

We depart for Springbok, with a rest / lunch stop at Pofadder, and on route we start seeing the first of the wild flowers. We visit the Goegap nature reserve in the afternoon, together with the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden, and other flower spots as we drive along the route. The overnight stay (for 2 nights) in Springbok is at Kleinplasie Guesthouse.

Day 4: Distance for the day: 200km

Augrabies in the northern cape

After breakfast we travel slowly southwards towards Kamieskroon. This is where we visit the famous Skilpad Wildflower Reserve with its spectacular display of Namaqualand daisies. We spend quality time in this spectacular reserve before returning slowly to Springbok, enjoying more wildflowers on route. We will also visit Okiep and Nababeep, to see flowers and the historical sights of these mining towns.

Day 5: Distance for the day: 300 km

Today we travel south, through the well-known “Knersvlakte”. Many succulent species will be seen along this route. After a rest stop and lunch at Vanrhynsdorp, we visit the Vanrhynsdorp succulent nursery. The overnight stay for the next two nights is at Tharrakamma Guesthouse in Vredendal. Dinner either at restaurant in town or guesthouse. www.tharrakamma.co.za

Day 6: Distance for the day: 150 km

Today is set out to view the flowers of the Nieuwoudville area, visiting the Nieuwoudville Waterfall and its two wildflower reserves (very special) Hantam national botanical gardens, the Quiver Tree Forest, as well as the flowers along the many farms in the area. Enjoy the variety of bulb and plant species found in the area. Enjoy lunch in town.

Day 7: Distance for the day: 200 km

After a leisurely breakfast we travel to Clanwilliam to visit the town and the beautiful Ramskop Wildflower Garden. After spending quality time in these magnificent gardens, it is time for lunch in town. In the afternoon we do a guided tour of a Rooibos Tea Farm (done by a specialist nature guide), before travelling onwards to Lamberts Bay. Overnight stay for the next 2 nights is at the Sea Cottages.

Day 8: Distance for the day: 20 km

Today is set out to have some time to relax. After a morning guided flower and farm tour by local specialist Arend de Waal, we visit the local harbour and Bird Island. It is famous for its breeding colony of Gannets. Spend time relaxing in the afternoon, or experiencing the village life and beachfront areas.

Day 9: Distance for the day: 200 km

Today we continue to explore the wonders of the West Coast, travelling along the coastline towards Saldanha Bay and Langebaan. We visit various reserves, farms, fishing villages and towns to enjoy the flowers and sights on the route. We stay over for the last 2 nights at Lemahi Guesthouse. www.lemahi.co.za/

Day 10: Distance for the day: 150 km

The West Coast area offers a large and different variety of fauna and flora. Enjoy the day exploring the area, including a visit to Darling with its various wildflower reserves in and around town, the Tienie Versveld Wildflower Reserve, and more. We also do some olive and wine tasting in the region. We end the day by visiting the West Coast National Park with its variety of coastal flowers. https://www.sanparks.org.za/parks/west_coast/

Day 11: Distance for the day: 200 km

Depending on the reports we have and your flight departure time we will travel towards Cape Town on the route that ensures the best flower sightings. The arrival in Cape Town will be in time for the departure of the flight back to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a colleague and transferred back home.

Included

Accommodation

Breakfast

Dinner

Tourist guide fee

Entrance fees

Vehicle

1 flight ticket

1 transfer

Excluded

Drinks

Lunch

Gratuities

Laundry

Telephone calls

Curios

Personal items

Any extra activities that is not on this Itinerary.

.

Kimberley, Orania & Gariep

Northern Cape big hole Kimberley

We visit the Northern Cape’s Orania town as well as Kimberley hole and museums. On our return trip we pass De Aar with its fields of solar panels and railway lines. We stay over at the Gariep at De Styil hotel for the last night. This is a short trip.

Day 1:

We travel via the N12 to Kimberley through Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and Barkley West. Lunch will be enjoyed in one of these towns. After lunch continue with the scenic drive to Kimberley to arrive in time for a visit to the big hole and a museum.

Day 2:

After breakfast we depart for Orania. This is a short drive but this little Afrikaner community is interesting and on our arrival we will do a tour of the town with a local Guide. We stay over at the hotel in Orania next to the Orange river.

Day 3:

It is time to focus on the natural beauty of the area. During the morning, we travel to the Gariep and look for Blue Cranes on the way. We spend our last night at the De Styil hotel and visit the Gariep wall Day 4: